LNG is expected to become an important alternative to heavy fuel oil due to its low emission rate2 of air polluting substances and greenhouse gases, which will enable ships to meet increasingly stringent international regulations on emissions.

As per the announcement on January 26, 2018, the four companies have been in joint discussions on the commercialization of LNG Bunkering Business in the Chubu (central region) of Japan. The four companies have now agreed to launch the business, and today established two joint ventures to run the LNG Bunkering Business. Going forward, each of the four companies will utilize the expertise and strengths that they each possess to propel the Ship-to-Ship Bunkering3 business.

Merits of LNGCompared to heavy fuel oil, the use of LNG can reduce emissions of sulfur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter (PM) by approximately 100%, nitrogen oxides (NOx) by as much as 80%, and carbon dioxide (CO2) by approximately 30%.

Ship-to-Ship BunkeringA method of bunkering where an LNG Bunkering vessel comes alongside an LNG Fueled vessel to supply LNG at different locations such as along the quayside, pier or at anchor.